Why do we only read books in school about the Holocaust and none about African-American slavery?

Question

Seeing as how slavery of that typed happened in America and is part of American history. Why is not covered in literature in schools and in English classes just as the Holocaust is as required reading?

Answer 1

I can't speak on the school you went to, but the educational systems I am familiar with certainly do cover "African American Slavery".  It is an intrinsic part of our history as well as for many other countries.  One cannot imagine U.S. History taught without a good deal of time spent reading about the political significance of "Slavery" alone.  Certainly any class including social studies would have to address it.  

In order to graduate from high school you must have taken an American Literature class and/or at least four English classes. These would certainly haved required reading including: biographies of American leaders, heroes, anti-heroes; historical writings/documents covering laws, government, our geographic struggles and destiny as well as wars and other human atrocities within the U.S.A.  With all the literature you should have been exposed to in your education,  certainly there must have been a good deal of information on the topic of "Slavery".

It may be that this shameful American history was not taught truthfully or given proper emphasis or  treated with an ugly bias.  I absolutely believe that is quite possible.  But I am skeptical that it wasn't there...

I challenge you NOT to compare the issue of the "Holocaust" to "American Slavery" but rather to think hard about your education, what you read or were assigned to read that included information about our African Americans and their struggles throughout our history.  If you still maintain that you were not offered an opportunity to learn, study and further discuss the issue of "Slavery" in your classroom...then you owe it to yourself and to the children of your community to write a letter to your local Board of Education and confront them with this educational neglect.  I know it may sound radical, but is it really?  

I wish you the best and further, wish you could respond in some way.

Answer 2

Because of the country you are in, history was recorded by the same people that enslaved you.

Answer 3

because jews are rich so in that matters they are well respected no of-fens by the way we did study african american slavery in history class in eight grade

Answer 4

Not sure about your school, however were I went we studied Slavery in depth in social studies.  I did not get to 20th century history till high school. Maybe it is because I am old (58), or maybe because I went to parochial grade school and a public high school. Actually I learned more about the Holocaust from my son's homework. And he went to the same parochial grade school. First thing in literature about slavery, I read was roots.Although both events were truly horrific, I enjoy reading about the character and resilience of the survivors.

Answer 5

There are a lot of different schools and school districts in the USA and each have their own curriculums.  I think this an extremely ignorant overgeneralization.

Answer 6

Because there are more rhich Jews and ashamed Germans than there are rich slaves and ashamed Slave traders.

Simple as that.

Answer 7

Good question...Anne Frank's Diary was boring to me actually and I always wished we read Roots

Answer 8

Because its easier to learn the dark side of history of another country than your own and the US is so patriotic.  

Answer 9

Both are read in most public schools. I am surprised you would write that. In addition, simply  go to the library and you will see , in fact, more books about Black Americans. As you know it was the Africans who sold their people to the whites. To me, it is ironic that people call themselves African-american after those who sold their ancestors into slavery!!  

Answer 10

Because the curriculum is decided by politicians who are sympathetic to jews but not to African-Americans

Answer 11

Because the Jewish people run everything. Also, you look mighty fine.

Answer 12

Well in world history class we  learned about the holocaust, and in American history class we learned and read about both, and in English we read about the holocaust and about African history, and about African- American history during and after the civil war...but that was in AP english, so it might not be in some school's regular curricula

Answer 13

That's a great question. Also, why weren't we taught about the Chinese Exclusion Act, more about Japanese Internment, Asians involved in the Black Panther movement and the Civil Rights movement, etc. etc!

Not to mention American and European colonialism into Asia, South America and Africa. Also we should have learned about the CIA sponsored coup-de-tat of democratically elected prime minister of Iran and the subsequent installation of the shah who brutalized the people and caused much resentment of America among Iranians. I could go on forever.

Answer 14

We were required to read about both. It just depends upon the school district and the teachers.  

Answer 15

the same reason you only learn about what black people have achieved in this country in february

Answer 16

We studied slavery including Harriet Tubman and the underground railroad in my all white school and we also watched "Roots" in class so it just depends on what school you attend I guess.  It depends on your history or literature teacher as well but many high school teachers have "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and "The Color Purple" on their required reading lists. College is much better than high school for this type of education with entire courses dedicated to African American studies.